Future-proofing Australia’s research

Scientific and medical research research remain the key to solving some of the world’s biggest problems, but efforts must be fostered to maximise their practical outcomes.

Commercialising research – again

There have been calls for better commercialisation of Australian research for decades but the Federal Government’s latest plan may help shape academic expectations and incentives in a more effective manner.

Politicians should stop meddling in ARC research

If Australia wants to tackle the many wicked problems we face, including climate change and relations with China, we must ensure basic research is not subject to political interference.

The UN’s open science framework could supercharge progress

All Australian research should be open to access, both domestically and internationally, and research conducted overseas should be freely available to read in Australia.

Open all hours

Inspired by a European open-access initiative, Chief Scientist Cathy Foley wants to make all publicly funded Australian research publications free for the public to read.

Harnessing research for better health

The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences is conducting a project to improve healthcare for Australians by better enabling research to be conducted within the health system.

Australian COVID-19 research review reveals gaps in collaboration

Researchers are calling for improved national coordination of Australian COVID-19 trials, after analysis of efforts in 2020 found a lack of data sharing and collaboration left crucial research gaps.

Commercialising research

Over the last 50 years, innumerable reports have called for better processes to commercialise Australian academic research, but progress will only be made if we tackle the obstacles and incentives confronting researchers.

Funding NEMO

Astrophysicist Paul Lasky makes the case for creating a gravitational wave detection observatory in Australia.

Are preprint medical studies eroding public trust in science?

Three leading medical communications organisations warn the public could lose trust in science if researchers rush to release research data, particularly during crises such as COVID-19.

Stampedes, sharks and cyclones

Swimming away from sharks, defending a tent during mini-cyclone and being threatened with a pet dingo are all in a day’s work for coastal researcher Professor Rob Brander.

A pandemic of sub-standard research

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a flood of potentially substandard research amid the rush to publish, with a string of papers retracted or under a cloud and a surge in submissions to  pre-print servers where fewer quality checks are made.